Pet Gifts We Love
It’s that time of year when we’re all busy picking out the perfect holiday gift for our loved ones, and that includes our furry family members! Now is a good time to take inventory of the toys and supplies your pet uses most to make sure they have everything they need.
New toys may not seem like a necessity, but they truly are! Toys can help prevent boredom, encourage exercise, and provide mental stimulation to keep your pet happy and healthy. Plus, it can be really fun to watch your furry friend with their new favorite thing! We recently let some of the VBSPCA shelter animals make their selections from our Pet Retail Store and captured it all on video.
In addition to pet toys, the VBSPCA Pet Retail Store also carries collars and leashes, and we even have some fun holiday designs. If your furry friend’s collar or leash smells, falls off, shows signs of wear and tear, or has gotten to be too small, it’s time to replace it.
When you shop at the VBSPCA Pet Retail Store, all proceeds go directly back to the homeless animals in our care. We hope you’ll check out our selection of toys, collars, leashes, treats, and more. Give your pet a gift that gives back this holiday season!
Need help selecting safe pet toys? Click here for our tips.
Happy Tails | Gouda
Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Gouda arrived at the VBSPCA in May of 2021. His previous owners surrendered him because another cat in the home did not appreciate his playful nature. The two year old orange tabby kept getting looked over at our shelter until a special little girl named Ella visited him. After two months in our care, Gouda had finally found his home and was adopted in July. We recently caught up with Ella to get an update on Gouda.
How did you know Gouda was the one for you?
My mother called me and said she was looking at cats while at work and we should get one. My dad was not thrilled with this idea at all. See, my dad is a dog person and has never liked cats. I immediately went to get my phone to look at the VBSPCA’s website and saw this beautiful tabby boy named Gouda. I knew he was the cat for us because my mom owns a charcuterie business. I also read that he did not like other cats, which was great because we have two dogs and I knew he would like them. The next morning, my mom and dad took me to the VBSPCA to go look at Gouda. I immediately fell in love with him and so did my mom. I even sweetened the pot by saying that I would pay for all his adoption and set-up fees, but I asked my mom and dad if they would help me with the food because I don’t have a job and he needs to eat.
How is Gouda doing in the home?
Gouda has two new brothers, Smokey and Bandit, the Mini Australian Shepherds. They have become good friends and play all the time. Gouda thinks he is an Aussie, even greeting us at the door with his brothers. He has another brother too which he is not sure about. Red Beard is a Bearded Dragon who constantly stares at him wondering what he is doing in his room and where this furball came from.
What sort of activities do you and Gouda do together?
Gouda has a hammock that sits in the window, so he is comfortable watching TV with the family and his crazy brothers. He likes to play with my dad every night and will not go to sleep until my dad and mom kiss me goodnight and my brothers jump all over my bed. He also likes to be put under the covers with me to sleep at night. He loves to have his belly rubbed just like his brothers; he even tries to take their bones from them and gets jealous when he does not have one of his own. Whenever he wants pets, he shakes his tail and bounces all over the house until you pay attention to him.
How has Gouda enriched your lives so far?
My Dad, even though he did not want a cat, thinks that Gouda is a great addition to the family. My Mom is smitten with him and even gets a little upset that Gouda will not sleep with her, but he does make sure that she works out every morning, even critiquing her form on the Peloton.
Why do you think people should consider adopting a shelter pet?
We would have never found him if it were not for the great people at the VBSPCA and the time and effort that they put into every animal. I think that people need to adopt more shelter pets because they are amazing and need good homes, even though Gouda has become more dog-like than cat-like.
Angie Lombardi | In Service to the VBSPCA for 9 Years
As a lifelong animal lover, Angie Lombardi began volunteering at the Virginia Beach SPCA over a decade ago. Once she learned more about the organization, she jumped at the chance to serve on the Board of Directors. “I wanted to help make a difference in the lives of the pets and be their voice,” said Lombardi. Nine years later, she remains an engaged member of the board. “The VBSPCA can’t take care of these sweet souls without support from the community it serves.”
Lombardi provides the VBSPCA with expertise in marketing. She has 20 years of experience in marketing and sales including her current role as Vice President of Marketing at The Franklin Johnston Group. In addition to her service to the VBSPCA, Lombardi volunteers her time on the board of the Virginia Apartment Management Association. 
While she connects very closely with the VBSPCA’s overall mission, Lombardi is most passionate about the level of compassion provided to both the animals and their families. “Seeing how the team works with family members who need to relinquish their pets, partnering with other animal welfare organizations and rural shelters that need more support – the love and care that is put into the animals that end up at the shelter is remarkable.”
Lombardi focuses on getting the word out about the many ways the community can support the VBSPCA. “Adopt, foster, donate (money or supplies), attend events, sign up to be a volunteer, share our stories on social media… It’s truly amazing how much goes on within the shelter and clinic and how many animals are cared for every single day.”
Dedicated individuals like Lombardi ensure the VBSPCA can continue working towards its mission of eliminating animal suffering. We are grateful for everything she does to help our animals!
If you are interested in serving on the Virginia Beach SPCA Board of Directors, please email Emily.Peck@vbspca.com for more information.
Allergies in Pets | Causes & Treatment Options
Anyone who has ever dealt with allergies certainly understands the misery those symptoms can bring. Unfortunately cats and dogs can also suffer from allergies.
There are three main causes of allergies in pets: fleas, environmental allergies, and food allergies. The most common symptoms of allergies include itchy skin, coughing or sneezing, discharge from the nose and/or eyes, and vomiting and/or diarrhea. As always, see your veterinarian if you notice your pet has those symptoms.
Flea Allergies
Flea bites usually only cause minor irritation in dogs or cats. However, those who are allergic to flea bites can have a severe reaction to just a single bite. Animals who are allergic to flea bites will chew or scratch incessantly, usually losing large amounts of hair in the process. The resulting irritation on the skin can also lead to a bacterial infection. Your veterinarian can prescribe a steroid or antihistamine, and if necessary, an antibiotic.
The best way to prevent issues resulting from flea bites is to apply monthly flea treatments to your cat or dog. Even if your pet is not allergic, these preventatives will help them avoid the discomfort that comes from flea bites.
Environmental Allergies
Just like humans, dogs and cats can react to a variety of environmental allergens such as tree pollens, grasses, molds, and dust mites. While people with these allergies mainly suffer from upper respiratory symptoms, pets are most likely to have severely itchy skin causing them to lick, chew, and even rub up against things to try to alleviate the itching.
Bathing your pet can reduce their discomfort and wash off the offending allergen(s). Your veterinarian can also prescribe medication that can be administered at home or provide your furry friend with an injection to combat their symptoms.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are much less common than flea or environmental allergies, but they can occur. If your pet does have a food allergy, chances are they are allergic to the protein used in the food, not the grains. Symptoms of a food allergy include gastrointestinal issues and itchy skin.
If your veterinarian suspects your pet has a food allergy, the only way to know for sure is a food elimination trial. Your veterinarian would prescribe a very specific diet and you would not be able to feed your pet anything else during the trial. If your pet’s symptoms improve, your veterinarian would then have your pet return to his original diet to confirm the allergy. If a food allergy is confirmed, your veterinarian can help develop a feeding plan for your cat or dog.
Other Allergens
Pets can also have allergic reactions to insect bites, medications, vaccinations, and other substances. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, other signs that your dog or cat is having an allergic reaction include swelling or redness, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. Whether your pet is experiencing a dangerous reaction or his usual seasonal allergies, it is important to seek help from your veterinarian to keep your pet happy and healthy.
Pet Obesity | Managing Weight Issues
We’ve all been there: our pets do something cute or start to beg, and we head for the pantry to get them a treat. While it’s fine to give our furry friends a snack here or there, it is extremely important to keep them at a healthy weight with the help of exercise and a proper diet.
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than half of all dogs and cats are overweight or obese. Just like humans, extra weight on your pet can make them more susceptible to health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, joint pain, and more.
Is My Pet Overweight?
Your pet will be weighed during his annual veterinary exam, but you also need to keep an eye on your pet throughout the year and note any changes. You should be able to easily feel your dog or cat’s backbone and ribs without pressing down. Additionally, you should be able to look down at your pet and see a noticeable waist between the rib cage and the hips.
There are a few things that can contribute to weight problems in pets. Illness, overfeeding, and lack of exercise can all lead to weight problems. If your pet is overweight, it is best to talk with your veterinarian to try to get to the root of the weight gain and decide on a game plan to help your furry friend drop those extra pounds.
Keeping Weight in Check
Even if your pet is not overweight, there are things you can do to help them maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage Meals
Serve your pet a few small, scheduled meals each day instead of allowing them to “free feed”. Free feeding is leaving an unlimited amount of food out for your pet to eat at their leisure. This practice does not allow you to know exactly how much food your dog or cat is eating throughout the day. By following daily feeding guidelines provided by your veterinarian and/or listed on the food’s packaging, you will ensure your furry friend eats the proper amount of food. - Encourage Exercise
Motivate your pet to move! This could include taking your dog for regular walks or getting the laser pointer out for your cat to chase around the house. Be sure to pick an activity that your pet enjoys, and increase the amount of activity as needed. - Swap Snacks
Treats can be a great tool to reward your pet during training or provide enrichment throughout the day, but they should not make up more than 10% of their total diet. While there are a lot of great treats for dogs and cats on the market, you can also swap out the ones you buy at the store for healthy options you may already have at home.
For Dogs: Carrots, green beans, apples (remove core and seeds), blueberries
For Cats: Peas, frozen corn, catnip, cat grass
For Both: Proteins, such as cooked lean meats or fish
You can also set aside some dry food from one of your pet’s meals for the day and give the kibble out as treats or hide it in a puzzle toy.
Being mindful of your pet’s diet and exercise habits will go a long way towards keeping them healthy. And one last tip: consider removing your dog or cat from the room during human meal times so that no one is tempted to hand out table scraps!
Happy Tails | Churro
Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Churro came to the VBSPCA in December 2020 in need of medical attention and a second chance. The six year old Beagle mix hadn’t had the best care – she was heartworm positive from living outdoors and suffering from an inguinal hernia. Churro’s luck began to change when she walked through our doors, and her happily ever after came when she met Heather at the end of February 2021. We recently caught up with Heather to talk about the rest of Churro’s adoption story.
How did you find Churro?
I found Churro on the VBSPCA website, she had the sweetest face and the description said she was a snuggler. She had some health problems, the biggest one being heartworm disease, which was intimidating, but I also knew that was a short-term issue and the unique circumstances of the pandemic meant I could be home and give her the extra supervision she needed those first few months during her treatment. I went with my dad to meet her in person and the room they put us in only had a small bench that we could barely fit on. When Churro came in I could tell she wanted to jump up onto the bench too, but I was sure she wouldn’t be able to fit. Next thing I knew, she had found her way up there, perched precariously between us. It showed me how much she craved love, and how she goes after what she wants.
How is Churro doing in the home?
Overall she has adapted well. Her previous owners kept her outside so there were a lot of things she had to adjust to. It was a couple of months before she was fully house-broken, and she also had severe separation anxiety, but over time she’s gotten so much calmer and better at coping.
What sort of activities do you and Churro do together?
Churro loves going for walks more than any dog I’ve ever known. The first three months I had her, she was restricted to being in the yard on a leash because of her heartworm treatment. When she was finally allowed to be more active and explore, she was so excited. She gets very impatient when she thinks it’s time for her morning or evening walk, and when she sees me get her harness she’s so animated it’s difficult to put it on. Churro also likes riding in the car and visiting parks, as a Beagle/Hound mix she wants to smell and investigate everything.
Does Churro have any funny quirks?
She loves stealing toys from the other family dog, Divi. It’s hilarious to watch her go to Divi’s bed, sniff around to find the perfect toy, then sprint off to hide it upstairs. I bring the toys back when she’s not looking, and the process repeats. Thankfully Divi is a good sport about it.
How has Churro enriched your life so far?
She is an endless source of love, joy and entertainment. I love when she’s pressed up against me snuggling on the couch, or bringing me the latest toy she has stolen.
Why do you think people should consider adopting a pet from a shelter?
To be transparent, there were a lot of difficult and frustrating moments the first couple months with house-training, dealing with the separation anxiety, and bad reactions to the steroids she needed for her treatment. But seeing firsthand how being in a loving home transforms animals proves it was all worth it. Churro always had sweet and endearing moments, she just seemed unsure of how to show and receive affection and had so much anxiety around anyone aside from me. It’s been unbelievably rewarding to watch her become more relaxed and confident, and she also seems so much healthier since completing her treatment and being able to exercise. Shelter animals may need extra time and care to adjust to their new homes, but with patience and love they can become the best companions.
Leila Bradley | In Service to the VBSPCA for 3 Years
Leila Bradley first turned up at the Virginia Beach SPCA as a volunteer in 2017. She adopted her dog Scarlet that same year. A lifelong animal lover, Bradley wanted to become more deeply involved in the organization. When she had the opportunity to join the VBSPCA Board of Directors in 2018, she jumped at the chance.
Fast forward to now, as Bradley begins her time as Board Chair. “Eliminating animal suffering is what I am most passionate about,” said Bradley. “I believe the best way to achieve this is by increasing compassion for animals and educating the community.”
Since Bradley joined the VBSPCA Board of Directors, she has aided the organization with her extensive financial expertise. Bradley has worked for TowneBank and Towne 1031 Exchange for nearly two decades, and is currently the Vice President of Towne 1031 Exchange. In addition to her service at the VBSPCA, Bradley is a member of the CHKD Infinity Circle and a volunteer for the United Way and the TowneBank Foundation.
As an active member of the community, Bradley encourages others to get involved with the VBSPCA. When asked how someone should get started, she answered, “By attending the VBSPCA events and visiting the shelter to see firsthand what an impact [the VBSPCA has] on the community and the animals they care for.”
Bradley aims to help the VBSPCA continue to grow as she steps up as the Board Chair and looks forward to working closely with the executive team. We are so grateful for her years of service, and we are excited for what’s to come!
If you are interested in serving on the Virginia Beach SPCA Board of Directors, please email derby.brackett@vbspca.com for more information.
Positive Reinforcement | Rewarding Good Behaviors
Positive reinforcement is the preferred training method at the Virginia Beach SPCA. This training approach helps you set the foundation for good behavior while also establishing a strong, trusting connection between you and your pet. By using positive reinforcement methods, your dog or cat will learn your house and lifestyle rules while also enjoying the fun of extra time with you! Then, once you’ve mastered the basics, you can use this same approach to teach your pet tricks.
The approach to positive reinforcement is simple – you reward your pet immediately following a wanted behavior. Let’s say you have been working with your dog to teach them to sit. As soon as your pup sits, give them a reward such as a treat. With practice and consistency, your dog or cat will begin to associate positive things with the wanted behavior, making them more likely to repeat the behavior.
Choose a Reward
Different pets respond to different rewards. Rewards include treats, toys, praise, or affection such as petting. You can use one type of reward every time, or you can mix it up. The most important part is that your pet enjoys and responds to the reward you have chosen.
If you are using treats as a reward, be sure to use small, soft pieces of food that your cat or dog can eat quickly. This will keep your pet engaged and focused on you and the treat. Treat rewards should also be accompanied with verbal praise, such as “good boy” in a happy tone of voice.
Timing is Everything
It is critical to reward your pet as soon as the desired behavior occurs. For example, if you are working on the command “sit,” reward your pet as soon as he sits to reinforce the wanted action. If you wait until your pet is starting to stand up again, the reward will be associated with standing up instead of sitting.
Consistency is Key
Consistency in your training will help your pet learn faster and reinforce wanted behaviors. It is very important that everyone in the family uses the same verbal cues and timing, otherwise your dog or cat could become confused by what you want from them. For verbal cues, be sure to use short words such as “sit” or “down”. Use a calm voice and do not repeat the word.
Once your pet is reliably repeating the behavior you want, you can gradually reduce how often they are given physical rewards like treats or toys, but be sure to continue verbal praise. Don’t reduce the frequency of rewards too quickly – otherwise, your pet could become confused or frustrated. Your pet needs to understand that he will eventually be rewarded for correct behaviors.
Sometimes pets do not learn as quickly as we would like. It is important to keep your frustration in check. Take a break from training, and if you feel like you are not making the proper amount of progress, consider getting help from one of our recommended professional trainers.
Happy Tails | Cheddar
Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Cheddar came to the VBSPCA in February 2020 when his previous owner moved into a home where pets weren’t allowed. Around that same time, Lisa and her family were finally ready for a new furry friend after losing their three cats to different sicknesses over the past few years. The VBSPCA staff introduced Cheddar to Lisa and her family, and the rest is history! We recently caught up with Lisa to hear about life with Cheddar… and another VBSPCA animal.
How did you find Cheddar?
In late February 2020, my kids started to ask when we would be getting another cat. They wanted a kitten, as they had never been around a kitten before. One Saturday, we randomly stopped at the VBSPCA to see kittens and cats. I told two different employees that I was looking for a social cat or kitten, and they each led me to Cheddar. We immediately fell in love with him! We loved his outgoing personality and his talkative nature. We did find out that he had been sick at the SPCA with urinary issues. Initially, I was hesitant to adopt him because we had just dealt with our other cat’s sickness the year before and it was so upsetting and exhausting on so many levels. However, we loved Cheddar so much and felt a connection to him so we decided to take a chance and adopt him. I’m so happy we did!
How is Cheddar doing in the home?
We adopted Cheddar on March 4, 2020. It was immediately before the COVID-19 lockdown, so it was such a great time to adopt him as we were all home and were able to help him adjust more easily to our home. Since adopting Cheddar, he has had absolutely no urinary issues! He is very healthy and has thrived in our home. It took him a little while to adjust, which is to be expected. However, he is very comfortable in our home now, and he has become such an important addition to our family.
What sort of activities do you and Cheddar do together?
Cheddar loves wand toys and chasing fuzzy mice toys. He naps in my office while I am working. He is always in our presence.
How has Cheddar enriched your life?
Pets bring so much joy! Cheddar didn’t replace the cats we lost, but he has helped us to heal. He is such a sweet and docile cat and we are all so happy that we adopted him. It was meant to be! Cats are such fun and interesting pets to have and like any pet, they provide unconditional love.
You also adopted a kitten in June 2021. Why did you decide to adopt another feline?
My kids still wanted a kitten. I wanted to wait a while to allow Cheddar to become fully comfortable in our house. He is still a young cat, so I thought maybe a buddy would be good for him. We visited the VBSPCA again in early June 2021 and met Frisco, an 8-10 week old kitten. He was full of spunk and energy and as with Cheddar, we all felt a big connection to him. It took a while to introduce Cheddar and Frisco, but they seem to really love each other a lot now. They still “rough house” with one another, but they now play with each other more, nap near each other, and follow each other around the house. It has been great for both of them! Frisco is now about four months old and still full of a LOT of energy! We love when kittens do the “sideways” jump.
Do you have any funny stories to share from your time together?
Cheddar and Frisco chase each other like crazy through our house! Their interactions while they play can be very comical and entertaining as well. We bought a cat tunnel for them recently and they play their version of “hide and seek” in it. It’s really funny!
Why do you think people should consider adopting a pet from a shelter?
All of our cats have been rescues! I love going that route because it’s such a blessing and it’s a wonderful opportunity to give a sweet animal a second chance and to provide them with a loving home.
Annual Partners
Last Updated: June 8, 2022 by vbspcaadmin
Local Dog to Appear on Special Edition Beer Label
The votes are in, and the winner of our first ever Virginia Beach SPCA Second Chance Sour Ale Photo Contest is Benji! The contest was held in November to determine who would appear on the label of a special edition beer by local brewery Smartmouth Brewing Company.
A total of 46 animals were entered into the contest including 37 dogs, 8 cats, and 1 duck. After a month of voting, the public narrowed down the competition to the top five finalists: Walter, Benji, Xena, Ashlie, and Prince Earl. The top five photos were then sent to our 2021 judging panel to determine the winner, which was no easy task with such cute and tough competition! Ultimately, the judges chose Benji as our Second Chance Shelter Ambassador.
Benji will be featured on the special edition label of Second Chance Sour Ale, a limited small batch production of Zoinks by Smartmouth Brewing Company. The label is being designed by VBSPCA Board Member and local artist Bill Campbell. The special label will be revealed in January – so keep an eye out for this exciting collaboration! Until then, we look forward to raising a pint of Second Chance Sour Ale with our supporters at our Puppy Bowl Party next February.
We’d like to thank our 2021 judging panel for helping us select the winner for this year’s contest: